The Center for Research on Disabilities and Special Populations is devoted to the betterment of the quality of life of Israel's disabled and poverty-stricken populations. It is dedicated to improving the levels of health care, rehabilitation, education, special services, inclusion in general society, and distribution of resources to the disabled.  In a period of tremendous flux, we are developing policy frameworks and employment opportunities for the disabled, poor and long-term unemployed.  All of these represent tremendous challenges in planning and implementation.

The Center provides data and consultation regarding a wide range of ages, types of disability (including partial to severe learning, physical, mental, and sensory disabilities), and people living on income maintenance.  It collaborates with a wide range of government bodies, including the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Social Affairs and Ministry of Finance; the National Insurance Institute; public commissions; and NGOs that provide services to the disabled and special populations.  The Institute is also a leading consultant to many inter-ministerial committees formed to serve Israel’s disabled populations.

The Mehalev Welfare to Work program (2005-2007) and the Orot Letaasuka (Employment Lights) program (2007-) are experimental programs implemented in four areas of Israel with the primary goal of integrating recipients of income support, who are required to take an employment test, into employment. An evaluation study is being conducted jointly by the Myers-JDC-Brookdale Institute and the Research and Planning Administration in the National Insurance Institute (NII). The findings of the study are designed to provide a factual basis for decisions with respect to the continuation and the national expansion of the Orot Letaasuka program and in which format.

To review the available reports, click here.